Why governors’ races are important in the 2026 US midterms
Summary
Thirty-six states will elect governors in the 2026 midterms, and 19 races have no incumbent seeking re-election. Governors lead state executive branches and can shape abortion policy, election administration, state responses to federal policies, and the delivery of federally funded programs.Key Facts
- Governors oversee state agencies and public services, propose budgets, appoint senior officials, and issue executive orders.
- Governors can sign or veto bills passed by state legislatures.
- Since the Supreme Court’s 2022 abortion ruling, state governments have played a central role in setting abortion policy.
- Some governors have used executive orders to protect abortion providers and patients from the effects of state bans.
- In some states, governors appoint election officials; they can also sign or veto laws that change voting rules.
- Governors can challenge federal policies in court and negotiate with the federal government over funding and program requirements.
- After the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, governors helped determine whether their states expanded Medicaid coverage.
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